Why is there a crackdown on encroachments in Sambhal?
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Synopsis
On Dussehra, Sambhal's district administration launched a decisive demolition drive against illegal encroachments, targeting a marriage hall on government land. This bold move has sparked discussions on legality and justice in the community, showcasing the complexities of land ownership and administration.
Key Takeaways
- Significant demolition drive against illegal encroachments initiated.
- Marriage hall demolished on government land in Rawa Buzurg village.
- Heavy police presence ensured during the operation.
- Temporary reprieve granted to a mosque management for voluntary removal of structures.
- Criticism of the demolition actions highlights ongoing debates about legality and justice.
Sambhal (Uttar Pradesh), Oct 2 (NationPress) On Dussehra day, the district administration in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh initiated a significant demolition operation targeting illegal encroachments, resulting in the destruction of a marriage hall unlawfully erected on government property in Rawa Buzurg village, as reported by officials.
The operation took place on Thursday morning, creating a heavily fortified security zone, with approximately 200 police and Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) personnel present. Drones were also deployed to provide real-time surveillance of the operation.
According to SDM Vikas Chandra, the marriage hall was built on land classified as a government pond.
"The village possesses two government land records -- plot number 691 marked for a pond and plot number 459 designated as a compost pit. The hall was constructed on pond land, which is why it has been demolished," he stated.
The administration also issued a notice to a mosque that had been constructed on compost pit land within the same village.
However, after members of the mosque's management committee requested four days to address the situation, the administration granted a temporary reprieve.
"The committee members have agreed to voluntarily dismantle the illegal structures in coordination with the District Magistrate. This collaboration aims to prevent any law-and-order issues," an official remarked.
District Magistrate Rajender Pensia emphasized that the actions were taken in strict compliance with legal guidelines.
“There was a 2,310 square meter pond that had been encroached upon. We are simply enforcing the Tehsildar Court’s order under Section 67. Our team, together with police and revenue officials, executed the demolition today under appropriate oversight," he clarified.
Sambhal's Superintendent of Police Krishna Kumar Bishnoi mentioned that ample notice had already been provided to the encroachers. "They received notices and a 30-day period to remove illegal structures. Their inaction necessitated administrative intervention," the SP noted.
By the afternoon, mosque committee members commenced the removal of disputed structures independently. “We are cooperating with the administration to maintain peace and harmony in the region,” the committee stated.
Samajwadi Party MP Ziaur Rahman Barq criticized the UP government's demolition actions as unconstitutional and a violation of justice principles.
"The power to punish lies solely with the judiciary, not the administration. Despite repeated Supreme Court warnings against such actions, the government continues to utilize bulldozers under police influence. This undermines the rule of law and democratic principles," he added.
Point of View
It is crucial to uphold the principles of law and order while ensuring that justice is administered fairly. The actions taken in Sambhal reflect a commitment to enforcing land regulations; however, they also raise essential questions about the balance between authority and civil rights. The administration's approach must prioritize dialogue and cooperation to foster community trust and avoid escalation.
NationPress
02/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggered the demolition drive in Sambhal?
The demolition drive was initiated due to illegal encroachments on government land, specifically targeting a marriage hall built on a designated government pond.
How many police personnel were involved in the operation?
Approximately 200 police and Provincial Armed Constabulary personnel were deployed during the operation to ensure security.
What was the response from the mosque management regarding the notice?
The mosque management requested four days to address the notice issued for illegal construction, and a temporary moratorium was granted by the administration.
What legal provisions were cited for the demolition?
The action was taken under the Tehsildar Court’s order as per Section 67 of land regulations.
What did the local MP say about the demolition actions?
Samajwadi Party MP Ziaur Rahman Barq criticized the demolition actions as unconstitutional and a violation of justice principles.
